a good creatures interview with novelist Christina Consolino about being present for both writing and caregiving, and making sure your family sees the joy in your creative work
I love the line “I absolutely refuse not to write” and want to remember that as an appeal to my contrary, stubborn side (especially when I am exhausted by all the non-writing).
I've been thinking about "I can usually find 15 minutes to do some writing" for days now. I've started thinking of it as "the 15 minute rule." I may have to post it on my wall. I used to feel really overwhelmed by the big old house projects my husband and I take on - like if I can't edge the all the moulding at once, why start? And then I just started jumping in with a timer: 25 minutes of painting, 10 to clean up, and I'm in the car to whatever is next. And sh*t gets done that way! Why can't I write the same way? I gave a it try yesterday with a poetry prompt - 15 minutes here, another there. I really felt like I accomplished something. The poem itself may not be earth shattering. I suspect I'll end up using for spare parts. But I feel like I generated some good ideas. And it was fun! Thanks for this.
Dec 2, 2023·edited Dec 2, 2023Liked by Nancy Reddy
I so needed to read Christina's essay today, as the caregiver and until recently the solo live-in full-time caregiver for my 87-year-old Mom with advanced dementia. Christina is a model of taking advantage of even small chunks of time amid all her caregiving duties, and I was touched by her desire to be a role model for her children in pursuing her dream of writing and publishing novels. I appreciated too the encouragement to "be selfish at times." Thanks for inspiring us other "good creatures," Christina! I can't wait to read your novel, The Weight We Carry, and recommend it on my Substack, which is aimed at providing support, encouragement and resources for dementia caregivers. Thank you @Nancy Reddy for bringing us these much-needed voices on balancing creativity and caregiving.
So relate to the fact that having children has inspired a writing practice and imagination and NEED to write. I find it so hard to balance it all but I know that it is possible but also important. I value what you have said about being present too. It’s definitely something I am hoping to get better at as my mind often wanders when I am looking after my toddlers. 💛
@Nancy Reddy thanks for this meaningful interview with Christina Consolino about her new book. I appreciate her point here that balance between care giving and creativity output is not always balanced, and that it usually tips in one direction or the other. Sometimes I think we try to achieve a uniform balance all the time and that isn’t always realistic!
I needed this medicine so much. Thank you thank you for sharing it. 💓🙏🏻
I love the line “I absolutely refuse not to write” and want to remember that as an appeal to my contrary, stubborn side (especially when I am exhausted by all the non-writing).
Lovely!
Love this! So much wisdom, including: "Regardless of what’s happening in my life at the time, I can usually find 15 minutes to do some writing."
I've been thinking about "I can usually find 15 minutes to do some writing" for days now. I've started thinking of it as "the 15 minute rule." I may have to post it on my wall. I used to feel really overwhelmed by the big old house projects my husband and I take on - like if I can't edge the all the moulding at once, why start? And then I just started jumping in with a timer: 25 minutes of painting, 10 to clean up, and I'm in the car to whatever is next. And sh*t gets done that way! Why can't I write the same way? I gave a it try yesterday with a poetry prompt - 15 minutes here, another there. I really felt like I accomplished something. The poem itself may not be earth shattering. I suspect I'll end up using for spare parts. But I feel like I generated some good ideas. And it was fun! Thanks for this.
I so needed to read Christina's essay today, as the caregiver and until recently the solo live-in full-time caregiver for my 87-year-old Mom with advanced dementia. Christina is a model of taking advantage of even small chunks of time amid all her caregiving duties, and I was touched by her desire to be a role model for her children in pursuing her dream of writing and publishing novels. I appreciated too the encouragement to "be selfish at times." Thanks for inspiring us other "good creatures," Christina! I can't wait to read your novel, The Weight We Carry, and recommend it on my Substack, which is aimed at providing support, encouragement and resources for dementia caregivers. Thank you @Nancy Reddy for bringing us these much-needed voices on balancing creativity and caregiving.
So relate to the fact that having children has inspired a writing practice and imagination and NEED to write. I find it so hard to balance it all but I know that it is possible but also important. I value what you have said about being present too. It’s definitely something I am hoping to get better at as my mind often wanders when I am looking after my toddlers. 💛
@Nancy Reddy thanks for this meaningful interview with Christina Consolino about her new book. I appreciate her point here that balance between care giving and creativity output is not always balanced, and that it usually tips in one direction or the other. Sometimes I think we try to achieve a uniform balance all the time and that isn’t always realistic!
Love, love this, Christina and Dan! Happy December!